Charge notebook: Onuaku appears to be OK

Charge center Arinze Onuaku had another strong practice Wednesday in his return from turf toe. Canton’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer has missed the last six games.

Josh Weir CantonRep.com sports writer @jweirREP

Charge center Arinze Onuaku had another strong practice Wednesday in his return from turf toe. Canton’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer has missed the last six games.

He should be ready for Friday’s game at Springfield, Mass.

Veteran influence

Cavaliers rookie Carrick Felix, who was assigned to the Charge on Wednesday, feels new acquisition Luol Deng’s presence in Cleveland is nothing but positive.

“He’s definitely a great locker-room guy. Good all-around character,” Felix said. “He’s the definition of being a pro. He does things the right way. Takes care of his body. He talks to us young guys and tries to give us little teaching points. He talks to the team about what it takes to win.”

Busy days ahead

After five days off, the Charge’s chances for rest will be sparse beginning Friday. Their game in Springfield begins a stretch of three games in four days and six games in nine days.

Included in there is a 3 p.m. Sunday start in Springfield, followed by a 3 p.m. game the next day — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — against Maine in Canton.

“We had a good talk about the focus being just getting that next number ... in the win column,” Charge head coach Steve Hetzel said.

“If we can embrace it, then the excuses go out the window. If that’s all we care about and all that we want, then we’ll find a way to get that next number.”